• They deny claims firm grows Marijuana which the alleged child workers smoke to work.
• They say they demand ID and other documents before engaging any employee.
At least 200 tea contractors have dismissed as untrue reports that they are engaging underage labourers in multinational companies.
They termed as misleading and unfounded reports that they were engaging children to work in the tea fields supplying James Finlays company in Kericho and Bomet counties
During a press conference on Monday, the contractors said they were in clean business contracts with multinational tea companies that adhere to the International Labour Organization standards.
They said their employees provide a national identity card, certificates of good conduct, National Hospital Insurance Fund, National Social Security Fund and Income Tax compliance certificate before they are engaged.
The 58 contractors spoke on behalf of their colleagues in Kericho town.
They demanded evidence from those behind claims that they were practising child labour at James Finlays company.
David Korir, a contractor with James Finlays, said the firm has been in the two counties for more than a century and understands the consequences of violating ILO laws.
He said James Finlays does not grow marijuana (bhang) as claimed by the source of the "damaging" report alleging the minors have to smoke the drug to boost strength before working on the fields.
“James Finlays is known worldwide for doing clean tea farming, cut flower and logging businesses and cannot, whatsoever, engage in marijuana farming,” Korir said.
Another contractor Philip Bii threatened to sue the sources of the report "if they fail to produce documentary evidence of the minors alleged to be employed".
He gave them seven days to issue an apology or risk being taken to court for character assassination.
“We are contractors of sound minds guided by the rule of law to carry out decent business,” Bii said.
Bii said James Finlays, just like any other multinational companies, is a key player in Kenya's economy.
CAPTION
Philip Bii,a contractor with James Finlays addressing a press conference at Quick Service Restaurant in Kericho town(Monday).He and some 58 contractors(Pictured) dismissed as untrue and misleading reports that they are practicing child labour at James Finlays tea company in both Kericho and Bomet counties.Picture by Sonu Tanu